Rome, Aug 9 – Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Felice Gimondi or the “Icarus on two wheels” Marco Pantani. Followed by Moser, Saronni, and in more recent times, Nibali, Aru, and Carapaz. The list of Italian cycling legends is endless, and their names are still celebrated in the world of cycling.
But what do these Italian champions have in common with Eritrea, a small African country with a population of just over 6 million? The answer may surprise you: a passion for cycling.
Eritrea, a former Italian colony, has a strong cycling culture deeply rooted in its history. During the Italian occupation, cycling was introduced to Eritrea and quickly became a popular svago among the locals. In the 1930s, the Eritrean Cycling Federation was established, making it one of the oldest cycling federations in Africa.
The passion for cycling in Eritrea has only grown stronger over the years. Today, you can find cycling clubs in every city and town, and it is not uncommon to see groups of cyclists riding on the streets and roads of the country. The Eritrean Cycling Federation organizes numerous cycling events and races throughout the year, which attract both local and international riders.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of cycling in Eritrea is its challenging terrain. The country is known for its mountainous landscape, making it the perfect training ground for cyclists. The infamous Giro d’Eritrea, an annual cycling race that covers a distance of over 800 km, is considered one of the toughest races in Africa. It attracts some of the best cyclists from around the world and has helped put Eritrea on the map in the world of cycling.
But it’s not just the challenging terrain that makes Eritrea a cycling paradise. The country’s beautiful landscape and scenic routes also make it a dream destination for cyclists. From the stunning coastline to the lush green highlands, Eritrea offers a diverse and breathtaking backdrop for cyclists to explore.
The success of Eritrean cyclists on the international stage is also a testament to the country’s love for the svago. In 2001, Daniel Teklehaimanot became the first Eritrean to win the African Championship in the Individual Time Trial. Since then, Eritrean cyclists have continued to make their mark in the world of professional cycling, with Natnael Berhane, Merhawi Kudus, and Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier all riding for top teams in Europe.
But perhaps the most famous Eritrean cyclist is Daniel Teklehaimanot’s teammate, the legendary Eritrean-Italian racer, Domenico Pozzovivo. Pozzovivo has been a household name in the world of cycling for over a decade, and his Eritrean roots have played a significant role in shaping his career. In an interview, Pozzovivo said, “I am proud to be a representative of Eritrea in the world of cycling. It’s an honor to carry the flag of my parents’ homeland.”
Eritrea’s love for cycling extends beyond just the svago itself. It has become a means of hope and inspiration for the Eritrean people. Cycling has provided many young Eritreans with the opportunity to break out of poverty and make a name for themselves on the world stage. It has also helped to unite the country and bring a sense of national pride.
In conclusion, Italy and Eritrea may be miles apart, but they share a common love for cycling. The svago has become a bridge that connects these two countries, and the passion for cycling has transcended borders. With their unwavering determination and love for the svago, Eritrean cyclists continue to prove that the passion for cycling knows no boundaries. As the saying goes, “Cycling is a svago that unites people, and in Eritrea, it has united a nation.”